▪ Optimized for outdoor and leisure activities with differentiated functions such as Smart Key system

and Electronic 4WD

▪ Ssangyong to promote new model through various customer events

Ssangyong Motor (CEO Lee Yoo-il;www.smotor.com), part of the USD15.9 billion Mahindra Group, held a launch event on Feb. 5, 2013, for its new premium multi-leisure vehicle (MLV), the Korando Turismo, which was attended by international media at the Seoul Trade Exhibition & Convention Centre (SETEC) in Gangnam, Seoul. The event also included a test-drive opportunity.

At the event, the company introduced its new premium MLV that offers the styling of an SUV, the driving comfort of a sedan and the practicality of an MPV. Ssangyong invested around KRW 180 billion in the development of this model which took two and a half years. Now the Turismo has finally entered the market with an innovative design and the highest quality features.

The Korando Turismo is a compound word created by connecting “Korando,” the longest-living SUV brand in Korea, with “Turismo,” the Italian word for travel. As an 11-seater leisure vehicle, the Korando Turismo emphasized “Happy Gathering in Style” and has adopted “Recreation Base Camp” as its brand slogan.

The Korando Turismo, along with Ssangyong Motor’s CUV models, the Korando C, LUV, and the Korando Sports, together perfectly cover the leisure and outdoor purpose vehicles market.

Reflecting Ssangyong’s product philosophy – “Robust, Specialty, and Premium” – the Korando Turismo was designed to satisfy a variety of driving requirements. It can be driven for leisure and business purposes, and is also great for driving in the city. In addition, its design adds a unique dynamism and toughness to its appearance.

The Turismo’s front design embodies the Korando family look with a smoothly connecting hood lamps and radiator grill. Its black-bezel projection headlamp and masculine hood character line express a sturdy image. Ssangyong Motor’s three-line radiator grill, harmonized with a glossy black color and the chrome, and newly designed emblem, create a sophisticated front image.

The stylish side character line was achieved by applying dynamic D pillars, quarter glass, and the luxurious ‘T’ badge, based on the character line starting from the headlamps to the rear lamps.

In terms of rear design, the tailgate utilizing a bold character line and horizontal rear lamps give the back a solid look. The rear bumper and skid plate harmonize with the front, creating a stable design.

The driver’s seat is ergonomically designed for comfort and to ensure that the driver has access to a variety of information at a glance.

The center cluster is located in the same direction as the driver’s eyes to increase driving safety and is visible while steering so that the driver can see the center cluster screen in any situation. The screen’s images are sharp with a back light of high-intensity white LED and a soft and vivid blue gradation.

Furthermore, the digital center cluster has a built-in computer providing essential information for drivers using simple and clear graphics.

The seats can be freely utilized as they flatten or fold; while the seats in the second and third rows can be transformed into tables. Folding the seats in the second to fourth rows increases cargo space to 3,240ℓ. Driver power seats and heated seats in the first row add to overall comfort.

The Korando Turismo’s e-XDI200 LET engine, optimized for the traffic conditions and topography of Korea, boasts a maximum 155ps/4000rpm and maximum torque of 36.7kg·m/1,500~2,800rpm, and shows the best NVH quality among diesel engines.

In terms of transmissions, two options are available: a 6-speed M/T with a broad range gear ratio for optimal engine performance and E-Tronic Mercedes Benz 5-speed A/T, which offers quiet, optimal gear shifting performance with the world’s best durability.

The Korando Turismo has a multi-link rear suspension system like the Chairman W. Ground impact is distributed to several links in order to minimize the amount going to the frame, ensure a comfortable sedan-like driving experience.

Drivers are guaranteed safe and comfortable driving on snowy and rainy roads thanks to the electronic 4WD system which can be operated manually when necessary to prevent unnecessary gas consumption.

In addition, cutting-edge safety technologies such as ESP, ARP and BAS are adopted for accident prevention.

The Korando Turismo’s differentiated swing doors are easily opened by even children and seniors. The doors are designed to prevent collision with motorcycles and bicycles and also equipped with two-stage stoppers, increasing safety. To improve crash safety, side air-bags were newly adopted for the first row seats.

The audio system with 4-channel amplifier supports Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming. The 7-inch navigation system with touch screen can also be chosen as an option.

The Korando Turismo boasts a Smart Key system and differentiated convenience options that benefit not only drivers but passengers as well. The anti-freeze system for windshield wipers, water-repellent glass (for the 1st row), solar control glass (windshield and the 1st row), privacy glass (the 2nd row) and ETCS & ECM rear view mirror, among others, are examples of the considerations made for drivers and passengers.

Ssangyong Motor is going to unveil the Korando Turismo for the first time in the international market at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. Ssangyong predicts yearly sales of 20,000 vehicles - 10,000 for the domestic market and 10,000 in the overseas market-, and intends to expand this number further in the future.

Lee Yoo-il, CEO of Ssangyong Motor, commented, “The Korando Turismo, which was born with a differentiated concept and product value, is a premium MLV that inherits the brand values of Korando and the conventional SUV style. Thanks to its practicality and SUV driving performance, it is expected to be in the limelight among those who enjoy leisure activities.”

Ssangyong Motor is holding various events in commemoration of the launch of Korando Turismo. “New Year New Car Festival” and “Snow Driving School & Auto Camping” will be held soon in February 2013. The auto maker also plans “Love Turismo Festival” and “Turismo Quatrain and Character Design Contest” from February 5 to March 31, and more promotions and customer participation events such as a nation-wide screen golf contest in the near future.

During “Love Turismo Festival,” visitors to dealer shops will be given a lottery card. A Korando Turismo will be awarded to the first place winner, while a luxurious auto-camping tent will be given to the second place winner.

For the “Turismo Quatrain and Character Design Contest,” customers can participate in the contest by submitting its brand name’s quatrains and brand characters on its official blog (blog.smotor.com). The winners will receive a variety of gifts including a 40-inch LED TV and a camping table set. The company will hold online and offline events simultaneously.

For more details about the Korando Turismo and related events, please visit Ssangyong’s official Facebook page(facebook.com/ssangyongstory) or the Korando Turismo brand website(www.korandoturismo.com).